5-HT1D receptor type is involved in stimulation of cell proliferation by serotonin in human small cell lung carcinoma

Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT), a neurotransmitter and vasoactive agent, is contained in two small cell lung carcinoma cell lines GLC8 and NCI-N-592 and is released in the culture medium. It also stimulates DNA synthesis in the same cell lines. In GLC8 cells this mitogenic effect is not counteracted by ketanserin, ICS 205-930 and GR 113-808 which are antagonists of the 5-HT2, 5-HT3 and 5-HT4 receptors, respectively. On the contrary, the antagonists metergoline, methysergide, SDZ 21-009 and methiothepin inhibit the 5-HT-stimulated incorporation of [3H]thymidine in GLC8 cells. The 5-HT1D agonist sumatriptan is capable of mimicking 5-HT action on cell proliferation. Both sumatriptan and 5-HT inhibit adenylate cyclase activity at doses which correlate with the mitogenic effect. We conclude that a 5-HT1D receptor type contributes to the mitogenic effect of 5-HT in GLC8 cells. This is the first demonstration of an involvement of the 5-HT1D receptor type in human cell proliferation. The design of specific antagonists for this type of receptor might be useful for the growth control of this very aggressive tumor.